title: Real-time multiprocessing of slit scan chromosome profiles.
abstract: The multiprocessor NERV and its application to slit scan flow cytometry is described. Up to 320 processors and 640 MBytes of RAM may be used in one VME crate, providing a computing power of less than or equal to 1300 MIPS. The multiprocessor is controlled by a host computer that provides a friendly user interface and comfortable program development tools. All hardware and software has been tested on a prototype NERV system with 5 processors. For a real-time classification/detection of normal and aberrant chromosomes, the centromeric index or the number of centromeres are computed or specifically labeled DNA sequences are detected. The program is partitioned into 60 tasks that can be executed concurrently. A total analysis time of less than 600 microseconds including system overhead will be achieved according to timing measurements which have been done for all individual tasks.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Applied Physics, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zuse
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hauser
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Männer
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hausmann
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cremer
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000235:genetics*; D001330:Electronic Data Processing; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D012016:Reference Values; D012091:Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid; D012984:Software; D013997:Time Factors; D014178:Translocation, Genetic; D014584:User-Computer Interface